The Horn Book Guide

EASY READERS

Banks, Kate

Monkeys and the Universe

48 pp. | Farrar/Foster | April, 2009 | Trade ISBN 978-0-374-35028-4 $14.95

(2) K-3 Monkey Reader series. Illustrated by Tomek Bogacki. In this second book about monkey siblings (Monkeys and Dog Days), big-brother Pete builds a model of the universe. While impressing little bro Max with scientific knowledge, Pete also makes him feel insignificant (like "a speck in the universe"). Bogacki's illustrations, with soft colors and blurry lines, convey gentle feelings even amidst brotherly discord. Banks does a fine job combining facts with story.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2009